Max previews Hungarian GP: 'We're getting closer'
Published on 01 August 2019 by Stefan Meens
A week after his sensational win in mixed conditions at the German Grand Prix, Max Verstappen is at the Hungaroring in anticipation of this weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix. Before looking at the challenge ahead, Max reflects on his most recent victory, in which Aston Martin Red Bull Racing played a crucial part with several fast pitstops, including one 1.88s stop (a new world record). “During the stop I didn’t think it was a record, it was so hectic. I was also busier than during other races. But when I saw the footage afterwards, it was really impressive. It was a hectic race but I’m very happy to have won.”
Looking ahead to this weekend’s Grand Prix, Max stays with both feet firmly on the ground: “There’s no guarantees and first we’ll have to find the right set-up. Let’s go out on track and see what we can do. We’ll give it our best”, says Max, before highlighting that Mercedes is still a force to be reckoned with. “They also have a good car and they still have the best power-unit. With today’s cars you go faster in the corners, which means it’s easier to take them flat-out. You need power for that and we can improve in that area.”
Despite Mercedes dominating the first half of the season, Max notched up two victories before the summer break, a feat many thought was unachievable given Mercedes’ form. Max: “I never have special expectations prior to a season so I don’t really think about different scenarios; I just try to do my best, every race weekend. I don’t dream about wins or podiums. I try make to make as few mistakes as possible and to score as many points possible. At the end of the season we’ll see where we’re at. But thus far, we’ve done well.”
Nevertheless, Max remains grounded when asked about his championship chances. “I’ve always said to myself I’m not interested in second, third or fourth in the championship. I don’t see a difference. I only look at first place and Lewis Hamilton is more than sixty points ahead. At the moment, Mercedes is still the dominant team so I’m not thinking about the championship.”
“We’ll have to keep improving to further close the gap, especially in qualifying. We’re close, but it’s not enough yet. Once we’re close in quali, the races will look totally different because we are so strong strategically. Our pitstops are great so if we start a bit further to the front, it can make a huge difference.”
Max ends on a positive note, reflecting on the first half of the season. “We’ve improved a lot and the team is on it. They are taking the right decisions and on the strategy front they’re strong with good pitstops and organisation. I’m really happy with the team.”
Hungarian GP contest: win an orange RBR 33 t-shirt and Verstappen beach towel
